delmodeller

Delmodeller is a modular modelling framework and software tool designed to construct and analyze dynamic models that include time delays and delta-based state updates. The term is used in engineering, economics, and systems science to describe both the conceptual approach and the software implementation.

Core concepts of delmodeller include modular components, or blocks, that represent subsystems and can be composed into larger models; explicit handling of time delays, both fixed and variable; and delta modelling, where state changes are expressed as discrete updates that propagate through the model. The framework features a built-in simulation engine capable of solving delay differential equations and event-driven simulations, along with a scripting interface for automation and extension.

The architecture emphasizes interoperability and extensibility. Components are connected by directed graphs, enabling reuse and hierarchy. The tool supports continuous-time and discrete-event execution, and can exchange models in common formats or through a JSON-based descriptor. It provides visualization for time-series, delay distributions, and sensitivity analyses, and offers interfaces to external solvers and data sources.

Applications of delmodeller span control engineering, supply-chain analysis, epidemiology, and network dynamics, especially where lead times and communication delays influence system behavior. It is also used in digital twin workflows to simulate delayed feedback and to test control strategies before deployment.

History and reception: the concept emerged in the early 2010s and has since evolved through both open-source and commercial ecosystems. Proponents cite improved clarity in modelling delayed interactions, while critics note that the learning curve can be steep for complex delay structures.